Patient Padraig remains focussed

PÁDRAIG Harrington yesterday demonstrated why he is one of the most popular personalities in world golf.

During a 50-minute visit to the media centre, he conducted a full official press conference, co-operated fully in three lengthy radio interviews and then answered questions on just about every conceivable subject with a small band of lingering reporters. And all without the slightest signs of irritation or impatience.

All of this in spite of the fact that his father, Paddy, is in hospital in Dublin continuing his battle with cancer and that he himself missed the cut in the Booz Allen tournament in Washington at the weekend.